Indigenous Events & Awards

The Aboriginal Affairs Award was established in 2003 as part of the Access, Equity and Human Rights Awards. This award will be given to a person(s) or organization whose volunteer efforts have made or are making a significant or ongoing contribution to the well-being and advancement of the Indigenous community in Toronto.

The City recognizes and celebrates a number of annual Indigenous events throughout the year.

Flags at City Hall

Sunrise Ceremony

Events 2019

StART Photo exhibit of artworks by Indigenous artists and advisors.
Runs until June 26, 2019

Factory Gallery
22 Dovercourt Rd.

Photo Exhibit postcard

 

The Sunrise Ceremony will take place on Nathan Phillips Square at Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. West at 5:30 a.m. on June 21. Gather near the Indigenous Flags on the east side of Square. Indigenous Peoples Day honours the history, culture and achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. All are welcome to attend this annual recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Event poster

About Indigenous Peoples Day (formerly National Aboriginal Day)

In 2009, June was declared National Aboriginal History Month, following the passing of a unanimous motion in the House of Commons. This provides an opportunity to recognize not only the historic contributions of Aboriginal peoples to the development of Canada, but also the strength of present-day Aboriginal communities and their promise for the future.

Every June, Canadians celebrate National Aboriginal History Month, which is an opportunity to honour the heritage, contributions and cultures of First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada. Canadians are also invited to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21st each year.

 

The Indigenous Arts Festival is a series of artistic events showcasing the culture and talent of our indigenous peoples. Visitors can celebrate Indigenous and Métis culture in downtown Toronto enjoying traditional and contemporary music, educational programming, storytelling, dance, theatre, and food. The series of events will energize the grounds of this historic site with powerful ancient traditions and compelling contemporary creations by Indigenous artists.

The National Indigenous Peoples Day celebration at Fort York will provide an immersive experience with hands-on craft making, theatre performances, film and live music.

National Aboriginal Day at Fork York is produced by the City of Toronto in partnership with the Government of Canada.

Fort York National Historic Site
250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto
416-392-6907
fortyork@toronto.ca
Free admission

Na-Me-Res (Native Men’s Residence) is the proud host of Toronto’s Annual Traditional Pow Wow in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day and the Summer Solstice. Every year, thousands of people attend the celebration to enjoy traditional food and watch over 100 drummers and dancers perform. Come explore the information booths, meet First Nations crafters and vendors, and participate in activities and giveaways.

Saturday, June 22
Grand entry at noon
Fort York National Historic Site
250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto, ON  M5V 3K9
Free admission

The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto presents the annual Indigenous History Month Celebration.

Wednesday, June 26
Yonge-Dundas Square
Noon to 8 p.m.
Free admission

Toronto Council Fire presents the 2nd annual Indian Residential School Survivor (IRSS) Legacy Project Celebrations

Monday July 29 and Tuesday July 30
Nathan Phillips Square
Free admission

Toronto Council Fire presents the 3rd annual Youth Pow Wow.

Saturday, August 24
Regent Park, North Outdoor Space
Grand Entry at noon
Free admission

Wiphala is celebrated with a flag raising at City Hall in honour of the Indigenous Peoples of all the Andes who are residents in Toronto. This includes today’s Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and parts of Argentina, Chile and Colombia.

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto present the 22nd annual Community Pow Wow: A Call to Reconcili-ACTION.

Saturday, September 28
Dufferin Grove Park
Grand Entry at noon
Free admission

The City will proclaim November 16 Louis Riel Day in Toronto. City officials along with Indigenous leaders will raise the Métis flag on Toronto City Hall’s podium roof at 9 a.m. on November 16.

Louis Riel, a great advocate of justice for the Métis people and recognized as the founder of the province of Manitoba, was hanged on November 16, 1885. On November 16, Métis people and supporters across Canada celebrate Louis Riel’s vision for all Canadians. The City of Toronto honours Métis people at a flag raising for Louis Riel Day.